Peter Menzies: In Our New Era of Surveillance, the Inquisition Is Back

Commentary

Following the introduction of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg, there was a swift reaction from those threatened by its power. Initially used to print the Bible in 1455, making it more accessible for people to interpret for themselves, the printing press soon became a tool for challenging the status quo. The emergence of the Reformation, spearheaded by Martin Luther, led to a crackdown on ideas that questioned the traditional authority.

The Roman Inquisition was established to root out heresies, particularly targeting Protestant beliefs that advocated for a personal connection with God. In regions where inquisitions were most severe, such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy, the Roman Catholic church maintained its dominance through tactics like torture and public executions of dissenters.

However, the spread of political and religious ideas through the printing press eventually led to the downfall of monarchies and the establishment of democracies. The parallels between the response to the printing press in the 15th century and the internet in the late 20th century are striking, as powerful institutions seek to control the flow of information.

In today’s digital age, efforts to regulate the internet have been particularly prominent in Europe and the UK. Instances like the case of Linzi Smith, a Newcastle resident banned from attending football matches for expressing opinions on social media, highlight the growing restrictions on online speech.

Despite facing backlash for her views on gender ideology, Smith has garnered support from liberty advocates and is challenging her ban through legal means. Similar restrictions on online speech are being proposed in Canada through the Online Harms Act, raising concerns about censorship and the stifling of dissenting voices.

While the methods may have evolved, the underlying instincts of suppressing dissent remain the same. The resurgence of censorship in the digital age echoes the tactics of the Inquisition, signaling a new era of control over online discourse.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.